ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Navy rowing teams will travel to Boston, Mass., this Sunday to compete in one of the world's most prestigious regattas - the Head of the Charles. The 48th-annual event is the largest two-day regatta in the world and the Navy heavyweight, lightweight and women's teams will all row in a pair of races on Sunday. The heavyweight and women's teams will compete in their respective championship fours and championship eights races, while the lightweights will compete in the lightweight fours and eights.

The regatta annually features some of the best national teams from around the world in addition to several top collegiate programs.

Last season, the Navy heavyweights had an excellent showing in the championship fours race by placing third overall. The eight crew also fared well, placing 12th for the second consecutive year.

Navy's lightweight crews also put together a strong outing, placing in the top-seven of both races. The eight crew finished seventh and the fours placed fifth.

The Navy women are excited to return to Boston and face some of the best competition from around the world.

"There will be four or five world-class level teams in both races," said Navy women's head coach Mike Hughes. "Not every team will have an eight boat, so there are a lot of great rowers in the fours. We're shooting to be in the top-15 in the championship eights race and we're ready to see what we can do."

This year's regatta will feature approximately 9,000 athletes competing in a total of 55 races. The course begins at the Boston University boathouse and ends approximately 3 miles upstream.